Ola Kamara has rocketed up MLS’s scoring list. Here’s how he got there.

Ola Kamara’s rise to the top of MLS’s scoring list can be traced to three key factors: what he was doing at Audi Field last offseason, who D.C. United hired as the head coach, and how his outlook changed after visiting his newborn son in the ICU this summer.

The Norwegian striker has posted 16 goals in 19 matches — 12 coming in the past dozen appearances — and an unblemished record from the penalty spot.

He will enter Saturday’s home game against FC Cincinnati two goals ahead of Seattle’s Raúl Ruidíaz for MLS’s Golden Boot, awarded to the highest scorer and last won by a D.C. player 10 years ago.

“When [strikers] get going, usually it’s a few games,” teammate Paul Arriola said. “For Ola, it’s…